The Grande Prairie Public School Division offers PUF Pre-Kindergarten programs for children who have been identified with a severe delay/disability or a moderate language delay/disability based on Alberta Education Program Unit Fund (PUF) criteria. Children must be between the ages of 2 years 8 months and 4 years 8 months by August 31 of the current year. PUF Pre-Kindergarten Programs may be available to children for one or two years of programming, depending on the child's needs and eligibility.

Program spaces may be available to children who have been identified with a mild delay/disability based on Alberta Education criteria, depending on capacity.  Children must be between the ages of 3 years 8 months and 4 years 8 months as of August 31 of the current year to qualify for a placement.

Programs follow the Grande Prairie Public School Division school year calendar and operate daily for a morning or afternoon class at either Crystal Park School or Swanavon School.

Our Pre-Kindergarten Programs are child-centered, play-based and developmentally appropriate, providing a language rich learning environment in which your child can participate, progress and achieve. Children receive direct teaching from a certified teacher for some activities and may receive direct therapy from an educational assistant supervised by a speech-language pathologist. The teacher works collaboratively with a speech-language pathologist, as well as other  Early Learning staff to design and deliver individual and group programming with a focus on:

• language development,
• communication strategies,
• early literacy and numeracy skills,
• physical activities,
• social skills, and
• self-regulation strategies.

As part of the PUF Pre-Kindergarten program, GPPSD offers opportunities for Play Partners, who are typically developing peers who have strong skills in the areas of language, self-help skills and social development.  They act as valuable play, language, and behaviour role models for students in the PUF Pre-Kindergarten program. For more information on Play Partners click HERE

To qualify a child must be assessed and diagnosed with a severe delay/disability or a moderate language delay/disability by a qualified professional (pediatrician, psychiatrist, psychologist, speech-language pathologist) and meet the Alberta Education Special Education Coding criteria. Children assessed and diagnosed with a mild delay by a qualified professional may also qualify for a placement, depending on capacity and based on Alberta Education Coding criteria. If your child has a report (dated after March 1 of the current year) from Alberta Health Services or another qualified professional, please contact the Grande Prairie Public School Division Office or the PUF Program Lead. 

How do I register my child for Pre-Kindergarten?
Once your child is approved you will receive an email welcoming you and your child to the Grande Prairie Public School Division as a Program Unit Funded Student (PUF) or as a Base-Funded Student (Mild Diagnosis).  This email will state your child's school, teacher, and class section.  Within this email, you will find a link to School Engage and instructions on how to register your child.

Please contact the Administrative Assistant of your child's assigned school for any assistance needed with registration.

How old does my child need to be to start a PUF Pre-Kindergarten program?
Children diagnosed with a moderate/severe delay/disability may qualify if they are more than 2 years 8 months of age and less than 4 years 8 months of age on August 31 of the calendar year they are attending, as per Alberta Education criteria.

Children diagnosed with a mild delay/disability may qualify if they are more than 3 years 8 months and less than 4 years 8 months of age on August 31 of the calendar year they are attending, as per Alberta Education criteria.

Which days do Pre-Kindergarten children attend school?
Children who have qualified based on Alberta Education criteria attend Monday through Friday for either a morning or afternoon program.

Which schools offer PUF Pre-Kindergarten programs for children?
Crystal Park School and Swanavon schools offer Pre-Kindergarten programs for families who live in the City of Grande Prairie.

Does my child need to toilet independently?
Children diagnosed with severe delays/disabilities do not need to be toilet trained for the program and support staff will aide with changes as required.  Parents are required to communicate with the classroom staff about where their child is at in the toileting process and are required to provide diapers, wipes and a change of clothes if needed. 

Children diagnosed with mild/moderate delays must be toilet trained.

Is busing offered for children who attend PUF Pre-Kindergarten?
Busing is not offered for Pre-Kindergarten programs. Families are required to pick up and drop off their child at the start and end times for each location.

Does Grande Prairie Public School Division offer Preschool Programs for children who do not have unique learning needs?
Grande Prairie Public School Division offers two fee-based Preschool programs. A French Immersion Preschool at École Montrose and a Montessori Preschool at Parkside. Information can be found on our website.

What are the Fees for Pre-Kindergarten?
There is no fee for children who qualify based on the Alberta Education Program Unit Fund (PUF) criteria and Alberta Education criteria.